Friday, February 20, 2015

Moondance Jewelry: B'Sue Boutiques Build-A-Line Challenge Blog Hop #2


Welcome to Blog Hop #2!

 Earlier this month that pesky groundhog said that we're in for six more weeks of winter but I've got my eye on the prize~ SPRING! Those warm breezes, blooming flowers and singing birds can't come too soon!
Japanese iris a perennial favorite
 Tree Peonies after a rain shower
Lupines courtesy of Miss Rumphius.

In my neck of the woods there is still a lot of  howling wind and snow piling up everywhere!  If you live in the northeast you've also probably seen more than enough of the white stuff.
Front gardens in February
I'm happier than ever that I chose Rustic Garden as my theme for this challenge because in the depths of winter I can dream about the coming Spring while planning my jewelry designs.

We've been having some very lively exchanges in our Build-A-Line Challenge group. Brenda Sue Lansdowne of B'Sue Boutiques( http://www.bsueboutiques.com) has led us in discussions on fashion trends, design inspirations, color palettes, product lines and much more. We're a chatty, talented and dedicated group that has a wide range of experience in jewelry making, and I enjoy participating in the exchange of ideas and opinions. She's made us dig deep and give serious thought to our goals as jewelry artists.

I've been meandering down my garden path a bit this past month while developing several different ideas.  I don't usually have a shortage of ideas but all the conversation with my classmates in this challenge has kicked my imagination into overdrive.  I've had to rein in my desire to try lots of cool ideas and instead focus on my growing collection. My jewelry journal is filling up with new projects for another time! For this challenge I need to be a bit more disciplined to create a more cohesive look for my jewelry. More cool ideas will have to wait for later.

Here's a bracelet I made recently. Those green beads and the flying bird are early signs of Spring and fit well with my theme. 


Rustic Garden 5 strand bracelet
And every good bracelet needs a coordinating pair of earrings, right? OK, maybe more than one but you'll have to wait a bit to see the others. You can also watch for a necklace to join this collection very soon.  
Rustic Garden bird earrings

Remember that bird's nest from our first blog hop?? Here it is all decked out in a rustic necklace heralding the arrival of Spring.
Welcome Spring nest necklace
 I liked that 5- strand bracelet design so much that I started working on one to accompany the necklace above. Still a work in progress, but what do you think?? Of course, there will be earrings too, and likely more than one style.  (I don't think you can ever have too many earrings!)
5 Strand bracelet work in progress

I've got several other pieces in the works and have ordered yet more supplies! (I'm giving the poor delivery people a workout this winter. Sometimes they can't make it up my driveway and need to hike in the snow to deliver my packages). Come back for the March 20 Blog Hop #3 and see the completed Spring collection of my Rustic Garden. By then we'll be that much closer to Spring! Yippeee......looking forward to some mud!

Thanks for visiting. Please leave a comment if you are so inclined. I do read them all and will respond! You can also check out my FB page for regular posts of new projects at www.facebook.com/moondancejewelrymaine

Nadine

Hop along and see what these other fabulous hop participants are up to!

Brenda Sue Lansdowne, B'sue Boutiques
Jewelry Making Outside the Box
Marcia Tuzzolino
Aurora Designs
Jann Tague
Clever Designs by Jann
Judy King
Apt to Wander Studio
Linzi Alford
Magpie in the Sky, Spoil Heap Tales
Cynthia Wainscott
Exotic Peru
Carole Carlson
Beadsophisticate
Lynn Stinten
Dragonzwench
Marica Zammit
Bead Lovelies
Catherine Shattuck
VRBrose
Michaele Collie
The Vintage Gem
Mary Craig
Jewelry Alchemy
Lee Koopman
Strega Jewelry
Erin Whitacre
Shattered Time Jewelry
Monica Casady
MJCasady Copper Works
Leila West
Leila Nicole Designs
Cindy Peterson
https://howlingdogjewelry.wordpress.com
Leila Belcher
Leila Bee Designs
Gloria Allen
Wings and Beads
Pamela Anger
Novegatti Designs
Tammy Adams
Paisley Lizard
Lynda O'Mara
LOmara Creative
Elizabeth Hildreth
MadScientistsDesigns
Dana Hickey
Wind Dancer Studios
Janet Calardo
Jan Lea Designs
Maria Clark
Sweet Willow Designs
Lori Beekman
B. Accessorized
Jennifer Kroeger
Relic Charm
Amy Jorgensen
Hoarder's Corner
Robin Reed
Artistry: Handcrafted Bead Designs
Ingrid Anderson
Lilis Gems
Louise O'Shields
Desire Divine Jewels
Susan Killam
Killam Creative
Mary Katherine Deis
The Rose Sword: Artisan and Vintage Collectible Jewelry
Nike Bottalico
Nike Bottalico
Susan Bowerman
Woodside Wireworks
Kristy Le
Kristy Le Trendy Jewelry Designs
Jan Peters
Stylized Vintage
Mitzie Crider
Needful Luxuries Occasional Blog
Gina Hockett
Freestyle Elements
Linda Anderson
From the Bead Board
Alexandra Sefton
Imaginary Jewelry and Altered Art
Melida Boman
The Journey of Pens and Things
Teresa Shurter
TreeZ's Treasurs
Melissa Latimer
Smithed Up
Renee Hong
Fine and Dandy Jewelry and Art
Nadine Edris..................................................YOU ARE HERE!
Moondance Jewelry
Lori Meyer
Parisienne Girl
Jennifer Merrill Williams
Artists of All Stripes
Denise Lussier Poirier
Jewelry by Denise
Renee Allen
Small Stuff Design
Autumn Adams
Autumn Dawns
Elizabeth Owens
1996 Shabby Lane
Kat BarronMiller
Midnight Kat Productions Art Jewelry
Sandra Ballard
Mama San's Mojo
Coral Law
ab:coraldesign





79 comments:

  1. Yes, yes, yes I am loving your line :-) What a talented designer you are Nadine. Love your nest necklace and those earrings are divine!

    Can't wait to see your finished line.

    Marica Zammit
    Bead Lovelies

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    1. Thanks Marica, you are too kind! This is quite the challenge isn't it? Fun and stretching us at the same time. I appreciate all your kind comments along the way.

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  2. I am liking your designs as well I don't know how you made the desk but it sure is cute. And I love the stories that you are telling behind each piece and that you are waiting for spring which we are celebrating here in Oregon. I can't wait to see more of your line

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    1. Cindy, thanks so much for your encouraging words! I'll have more to show coming soon.

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  3. Oh Nadine, I am in love with your Rustic Garden Collection, as well as your blog, which is well written and beautiful. The jewelry is coordinated and clean. You are nailing it, my friend! It was a pleasure being here!

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    1. Susan you are so sweet to write such a glowing comment. Thank you. It's a lot of fun getting to know folks and see all this amazing talent! I'm very happy to be part of the adventure.

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  4. The bracelet is going to look great with your birds nest! Earrings are super cute too. Looking forward to the rest of the reveal!

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    1. If i would have had one more day I might have finished that bracelet! Oh well, I'll have more for the next round. Thanks for you kind words. Can't wait to see what everyone has been doing!

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  5. Such lovely pieces! I love the earrings that you made to go with the first bracelet. Your colors work so well together. ~Ingrid

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    1. Thanks Ingrid. I'm been mostly using some variation of some Panetone spring colors,which I happen to love. It's working out well for me.

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  6. Home run!! Love how everything works so well together. The colors are fab; and those earrings are perfect! Can't wait to see more!!

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    1. I'm glad to hear you say that things are working well together. it's easy to lose perspective on this journey. Thanks so much for the positive feedback and for stopping by!

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  7. Wow! The colors and designs are beautiful and go together so well! Spring has sprung!

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    1. Thanks Amy. I've had to work at this "cohesive" thing but I am making progress. Thanks for the encouragement.

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  8. I really love the color palettes you are working with.

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    1. Try and I might I can never quite get away from the blues. I'm so happy that the Panetone Spring color selection is up my alley. It makes the design choices far easier for me. I've had other challenges but color is not one of them. Thanks for stopping by!

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  9. You have been very, very busy! I'm so impressed with all your lovely pieces. They really do welcome Spring with their colors and designs. ~mary

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    1. Thanks Mary! You should see all the ones that didn't make it into the line! HA. But really, I do think I'll have a good bunch for the final reveal. Thanks for all the support!

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  10. The colors and fantastic designs do go well with your Rustic Garden Theme. Your line will be just in time....great job! Gina H

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  11. The colors and fantastic designs do go well with your Rustic Garden Theme. Your line will be just in time....great job! Gina H

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    1. We can only hope that Spring arrives soon! Thank you so much for your positive feedback on my work. I'm so glad to be taking this class along with such great classmates.

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  12. Oooh--I love the Rustic Garden Bird Earrings! And I love the colors of beads you put with the metals from B'sue! Well done--looking forward to seeing more! :)

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    1. It's funny how many bird items I have going in this line. Originally I was thinking more flowers but you just never know. Thanks for popping in and commenting!!

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  13. Ooooh, that 5-strand bracelet looks like a winner!

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    1. Carole, yup I think we could be seeing quite a few of the 5- strand ones in all kinds of colors! Thanks so much for you kind comment.

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  14. Gorgeous line, I love the use of copper. Looking forward to more finished pieces!

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    1. Thanks Leila. I love the rusty black and copper so that part is easy!!!

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  15. Beautiful theme, beautiful jewelry line Nadine. Can't wait to see your finished line.

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    1. Irene, I so appreciate all the kind comments! Thanks so much.

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  16. Really beautiful pieces with lots of yummy colors and texture. Great job!

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    1. I can't ever seem to have too much texture in my pieces. Thanks for stopping by and for your kind words!

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  17. These are all beautiful! Love the colors and they all go so well together!

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    1. I'm so glad to hear the feedback about things going together. It's easy to lose perspective on that. Thanks for your generous comments!

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  18. Beautiful designs.They're looking wonderfully coordinated. And I wholeheartedly agree, you can never have too many earrings choices.

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    1. Thanks Tammy! Earrings are really my favorite piece of jewelry, to make and to wear. More coming for the final reveal!

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  19. Your designs are just beautiful!!!! Now you have an awesome cohesive line for sure and all of the details on your artwork is just fantastic!! I love your blog post because it is just such a warm and delightful place to be. You will have a phenomeanal reveal line for sure! ~Louise

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    1. Louise you are so kind and generous. Thanks for such a lovely comment.

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  20. Nadine--Thank you for the spring flower pictures! Needed to see them today. Your line is really coming along. Your pieces go together so well! Very cohesive! Love the bird earrings and am looking forward to seeing the necklace that goes with them.

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    1. I know what you mean about the flowers Lynda! I just finished that necklace today so it'll be ready for the final reveal. Thanks for stopping by and leaving such a nice comment!

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  21. You have such an eye for combing textures and color. Love these bracelets and can't wait to see the final line.

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    1. It's the textures and color that draws me to making jewelry for sure. That's one of the reasons my designs can be rather eclectic. This challenge is very helpful for developing a more cohesive look. Thanks for your positive feedback.

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  22. I love your choice of beads with the brass it's so earthy and energitic. Really lovely work

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    1. Kat, thanks so much for that feedback. This challenge is quite an adventure!

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  23. LOL, Sandi. Is that a play on words???? But thanks for the kind comment!

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  24. Loving your designs Nadine! Enjoyable read, beauty in beads and I cannot wait to see your work! I am so inspired to be working with all of you~
    xo
    ~nike

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    1. Nike, thank you so much for those kind words! And I totally agree about being inspired by everyone. It's a great group of women! Thanks for stopping by and commenting.

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  25. Your line is really coming along! This challenge has also been great for me, I have so many more ideas for future lines, I can't wait to get started on them! I really like all the textures you put into the bird's nest necklace, beautiful piece!

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    1. Monica, it's coming along pretty slowly but that's OK. Progress is good and so much inspiration! Thank you for the positive comments about my work. It's a great adventure!

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  26. I'm really love your design idea and your colors are just yummy. i can't wait to see your finished fine it is going to be gorgeous, great blog too the love nature pics, i adore flowers.
    XOXO!

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    1. Thanks Kristy. I do love playing with the colors and the brass stampings. We've having quite an adventure with this challenge, aren't we? Thanks again for stopping by.

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  27. I love Love Love your 5 strand bracelet and the second one is just as yummy as the first! The earrings are wonderful and the necklace is great ! Wonderful Job!!! Have a Blessed Day!!!

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    1. Thanks so much Robin. If all goes well there could be yet a third 5-strander before this is over. You are so generous to leave such a kind comment. I appreciate it.

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  28. You are heading into spring we are heading into autumn at least our winters aren't like yours for which I am very grateful.
    Your collection makes it look like spring is arriving early.

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    1. Thank you for that but really, spring cannot arrive too early! would love to come toyour corner of the world some day!

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  29. I love the way your line is going, Nadine. Excellent work, happy you joined us. Great post!

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    1. Thanks Brenda! I'm happy I joined the BALC also. It's been a great adventure so far and I'm so inspired by all the creative folks in the group! Thanks for your leadership.

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  30. Gorgeous pieces, Nadine! I love a good 5 strand bracelet, too. Yours (and that knockout necklace!) are superb!

    Cheers,
    Susan

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    1. I am a big bracelet fan and I love to stack them.These 5-strand ones do all the stacking for you!!! Thanks so for the positive feedback Susan. I really appreciate it!

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  31. Your designs hit the mark perfectly, marvelous job. This is exactly what we need this week. Last week Robins were singing in the trees, this week it's all frozen again & they've headed south again. With some of your jewelry stacked on our arms we'd have a charming garden all year round!

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    1. That's the idea Theresa! gardens all year long! Thank so much for your sweet comments! Much appreciated.

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  32. OMG your blog is wonderful .. I love that you have finished pieces. Your Rustic garden is perfect, can I come visit it .. Looking forward to seeing lot's more from you on March 20th

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    1. Come on over Jann and we can sit in the garden and make jewelry! For now I'll have to be satisfied with the garden on my bead board.I appreciate your comments so much. And yes, there will be more to come in March for sure!

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  33. Love your jewelry designs and theme. Great blog and I love the pictures you included. Can't wait to see your full line.

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    1. Thanks Janet. We flower girls have to stick together! I'll have more to show you by the March hop when it will hopefully feel like Spring!

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  34. Nadine, so happy you've moved forward from your concerns on fb a couple weeks ago!! You've made lots of great progress on your line. NO fear!! Way to move past your comfort zone, my friend!! Loved your blog post and the photos.

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    1. Thanks Marcia. I'm happy that things are coming together with my collection too. And I'll definitely have more pieces for March including a tulip or two ;-) Thank you for such a complimentary comment!

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  35. Love your rustic garden theme- I am all about the nature inspired jewellery ! Looking forward to seeing your whole line , Linzi

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    1. Linzi, I'm having a great time working on this theme. I love the nature inspired look so that was a no brainer for me. But I've certainly had other challenges......More to come for the March hop! Thanks for stopping by.

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  36. I like the colors you're using. Can't wait to see the rest of the line. :-) ~Elizabeth

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    1. I chose to use the Panetone Spring 15 colors (some of them anyway) because they give me a little more focus, and I love them. Thanks Elizabeth for the kind remarks, and I'll have more done for March!

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  37. Love the rustic Jewelry. Great pictures. It seems that at least 56 people from the group got past their fears of blogging, lol. You are doing a fantastik job. Your photos are so great I see great details in the beads that you have chosen an they are gorgeous and work so well with the brass elements you have chosen. See you at the finish line!

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    1. Thanks Gloria for all the positive encouragement! We are all learning a lot with this challenge including the whole blogging thing. March should be a very interesting month for us!!!

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  38. Your design elements and pieces are lovely! You've got a wonderful line concept. Can't wait to see the rest of your line!

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    1. Thanks Micheale. This has been a really good (but not easy) opportunity to pull my work together into something more coherent. I love this look so it's been fun to put more focus on it. We'll see how far I get by hop # 3!!! Thanks for the support.

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  39. Beautiful pieces, Nadine .... love the colors and designs! I can't wait to see more of your line! ;)

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    1. Thanks Pam! I am working on a couple of pieces now that I hope to have finished! We're heading in to the last weeks. Yikes!!!

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  40. Nadine, I would wear all of those pieces! They have a very cohesive, yet unique look. Those beads look great with copper and rusty black from B'sue. I really like all of these, and the branch necklace is my favorite.

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    1. Renee, thanks for your kind comments! I do love playing with the colors and textures so this has been a good challenge for me. Now I need to focus on getting a few more things finished! What a great adventure. Thanks again.

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